It’s nearly time for the Manchester Duck Race 2019.
Thousands of families are expected to come along and stand on the banks of the River Irwell at New Bailey to cheer on the rubber ducks as they float to the finishing line in this annual free event which has raised over £200,000 for children’s charity Brainwave.
One of Manchester’s most popular Easter traditions, this year sees the event celebrate its 10th anniversary with plenty of celebs and celeb lookalike ducks set to make an appearance on Good Friday.
Bathroom favourites Bathroom Takeaway will be filling their bathtubs with gooey slime for children to take part in free slime challenges throughout the day.
The day promises to be feathered with surprises such as celebrity guests, music and entertainment from Smooth Radio, fabulous fairground rides, mouth-watering food stalls, sensational stilt walkers and, of course, the famous dressed ducks.
Previous years have seen race entries include a Samuel L Quackson duck, Kim Karduckian and Ziggy Starduck.
This year the entries are just as awesome. Take a sneak peek at some of our favourites ahead of tomorrow’s race.
Billing Eve
She’s been going viral on Twitter this week – and we can see why. Dressed by Liverpool-based company Active Profile, she’s even been endorsed by the “real Villanelle” – Jodie Comer – who has given her support this week.
The Quacken
Legendary sea monster the Kraken will be riding the waves of the Irwell tomorrow, thanks to Manchester design agency Cuckoo. Be careful not to let the kids out of your site with this one on the loose.
Duck Dog
It’s a duck in a schnauzer suit! Enough said. Well done Brown Bag Media.
Donald the Duck
No, it’s not Boris Johnson. Check the flags. In a nod to the controversial 45th president of the US and Disney’s beloved anthropomorphic cartoon character, RBS has immortalized the POTUS in duck form for this year’s race.
Madonna – Material Bird
That pointed bra is damn iconic, and dare we say Grainger PLC’s duck is rocking it. We wonder if Madonna would be a fan.
Ru Paul’s Duck Race
The most FABulous duck racing on the water this year comes from Solid Ground. Yass queen!
Freddie Mercury from Bohemian Quacksody
I see a little silhouetto of a duck. CarFinance247 has done Freddie proud, immortalising his much-admired duck face forever.
Queenie Duck
Floating regally down the Irwell tomorrow will be One File’s Queen Elizabeth II duck. Even in duck form, the likeness is certainly there.
DRAKE
Apparently not content with just one awesome entry, Brown Bag have gone for two. The schnauzer is definitely our favourite, but Canadian rap king Drizzy had to make the cut too. He’s just too damn good.
Genie
This one takes us back to our childhood. Bathroom Takeaway has done Aladdin’s Genie proud. We’re just not sure how he’ll get on with his lantern in the water.
Mario & Luigi
These characters were spotted already roaming around Manchester’s Metrolink this week – and now they’re taking to the waves in duck form. Quack on, boys.
The Easter Bunny Duck
The Slate Yard’s transformed their duck into a toothy Easter Bunny. Very fitting. Not a chocolate in sight, though.
Sarah Stuck
Last but not least, meet the I Love MCR duck, Sarah. Named after Sarah Studd – the amazing woman who ran the Chop Houses before women were even allowed inside them – the company recently renamed their iconic city centre venue Mr Thomas’s after her and we wanted to pay our respects too.